summer2014 • Volume23 • Number2

What does it really mean to be Happy? If you’re the by-the-book (or Wikipedia) type, it means you’ve achieved “a mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.” If you’re an animated Dwarf, it means you live with six friends, you needn’t a mustache to complete your beard and you aren’t afraid to accentuate your belly by fastening a belt over your brightly colored shirt.

This sunny summer edition of Disney Files Magazine is fi lled with stuff that makes me Happy, and my eagerness to share it with you has me somewhere between contentment and intense joy.

I’m Happy, for example, to see two of my favorite resorts in the neighborhood get interior facelifts that give warm, woodsy themes a cool, contemporary edge (pages 3-6).

I’m Happy anytime I get to sit down with one of the most beloved Cast Members in our community – an ageless gentleman whose passion for spreading happiness is nothing short of extraordinary (pages 7-8).

I’m Happy to daydream about paradise (page 9), watch an attraction concept become real (page 19) and see an animated fi lm honor heroes who tend to fl y under the radar (page 24).

I’m Happy to see faces on repurposed trash (page 14), barbecued meats on my plate (pages 16 and 21) and Marty’s memories on our pages (25-26).

And fi nally, I’m Happy to give this issue’s “Last Word” to a cute kid who has the will power to make even the fairest of all Disney princesses plead for affection. (All of us at Disney Files Magazine are impressed with this kid’s intestinal fortitude, as we tend to cave anytime Snow White asks for a hug.)

Whatever happiness means to you, I hope you fi nd some of it in the pages ahead and that your happiest vacation is one you’ve yet to take. Welcome home,

Ryan MarchDisney Files Editor

DVC-M

BR-65

-Z

Information contained in this magazine is subject to change without notice

Update your mailing address online at www.dvcmember.com

Contact Member Services from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Eastern weekdays9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Eastern weekends(800) 800-9800 or (407) 566-3800Fax: (407) 938-4151Email: members@disneyvacationclub.com

VOL. 23 NO. 2

Disney Files MagazineDisney Vacation ClubP.O. Box 10350Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Please recycle this publication

For Member Services in Japanese,call 0120-98-4050 Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Japan Time)Email: JPMembers@disneyvacationclub.com

facebook.com/disneyvacationclub

I’m Happy to daydream about paradise (page 9), watch an attraction concept become real (page 19) and see an animated fi lm honor heroes who tend to

I’m Happy to see faces on repurposed trash (page 14), barbecued meats on my plate (pages 16 and 21) and Marty’s memories on our pages

And fi nally, I’m Happy to give this issue’s “Last Word” to a cute kid who has the will power to make even the fairest of all Disney princesses

Magazine are impressed with this kid’s intestinal fortitude, as we tend to cave anytime Snow

Whatever happiness means to you, I hope you fi nd some of it in the pages ahead and that your happiest vacation is one you’ve yet

Illustration by Keelan Parham

In introducing the first wave of Membership Magic offerings in the spring edition of Disney Files Magazine, I noted that this new range of Membership

enhancements, exclusive experiences and special offers was not just about the information we deliver, the services we provide or the experiences we enable, but mostly about you. As proud as we are of the flexibility, value and spectacular accommodations we’re able to deliver, it’s your dreams, your memories, your families and your friends that drive us to do what we do, and it’s what Membership Magic is really all about.

My use of the word “drive” here speaks to an analogy I use often around the office. Comparing Disney Vacation Club to a car, I find myself talking to our team about “the road ahead,” cautioning against the dangers of spending too much time looking in the “rearview mirror” and pointing to the special kind of magic that happens when we “fire on all cylinders.” While taking my car analogy too far may reveal how little I actually know about mechanical engineering (and that I may have spent a little too much time in Cars Land during my last visit to Anaheim), I can comfortably say that Members aren’t just passengers in this vehicle. You’re also the fuel.

Our company is all about storytelling, and the stories you share propel us to continue raising our game. I’ve become particularly fond of stories about the friendships Members have formed with other Members during their vacations. It’s a dynamic that immediately caught my attention when I began my Disney Vacation Club career aboard a Member Cruise – watching Member families reunite at sea like old classmates – and it’s a phenomenon at the heart of some of my favorite Member letters.

The “Photo Finish” spread in this edition of

Disney Files Magazine, for example, includes a fun shot of Gaston posing with three girls (of course) from two Member families who met while on vacation at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and have continued to vacation together at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Another great example came in a letter we received from Dan and Diane Meyr of Illinois, Members since 2011, who became part of our community after visiting with Tom and Karen Hysell of Illinois, Members since 2002. What’s extraordinary is that they didn’t meet in their shared hometown of Chicago, but rather on vacation in Italy. The couples became fast friends and later returned to Italy together, posing for the photo below in Pompeii. Sometimes you have to travel halfway around the world to meet a neighbor.

It’s with these and countless other stories in mind that we continue to look for new ways to bring Members together, from Member nights at Splitsville Luxury Lanes to Culinary Magic at Disney restaurants to our ever-evolving slate of special events on land and at sea. Because whether you make a new friend while bowling a turkey (that’s three strikes in a row) or eating a turkey, we believe the connections you make represent the true power of Membership Magic.

Membership (bonding) Magic

2

By Ken Potrock, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Disney Vacation Club and Adventures by Disney

One of the most beloved fi lms in Disney history has now inspired some of the most charming new details within The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

“When you think of Disney storytelling in a forest setting, you can’t help being drawn to Bambi,” Walt Disney Imagineer Kwannet Keyes told Disney Files Magazine.

Artistic details throughout the newly re-imagined villas recall Bambi’s coming-of-age journey, from his earliest days with his mother (depicted in a mural tucked behind a bed that unfolds from a combination TV unit and table in the studio) to his eventful skating lessons from Thumper (sketched on one side of living room sofa pillows) to his friendship with Faline (sketched on the other side of those pillows). Even a painting on a bathroom wall (in the studio and second bedroom) celebrates the cherished fi lm, with a mouse reaching for a “Little April Shower” falling gently from a forest leaf.

While these animation-inspired details pull from a fi lm that fi rst captivated audiences in 1942, other design choices have a more contemporary edge, from the vinyl-wood-plank fl ooring that now unites previously carpeted and tiled living spaces to modern interpretations of woodsy themes on linens, draperies, area rugs and more.

“Introducing modern design styles to an environment set at the dawn of America’s railroad expansion through the Pacifi c Northwest is a careful balancing act,” Kwannet acknowledged. “It’s all about taking timeless colors, textures and materials inspired by nature and interpreting them in a way that feels fresh without deviating from the story.”

New sink and bathtub faucets, for example, blend a modern nickel fi nish with a design inspired by antique water pumps.

“From The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to the newly re-imagined villas both here at this resort and at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort (see pages 5-6), the Disney Vacation Club neighborhood is fi lled with examples of design styles that give nostalgic themes a contemporary twist,” Kwannet said. “As a designer, that’s always a fun challenge.”

Look for Bambi and his forest friends during your next visit “home” to The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

‘Deer’ to your heart

Re-imagining The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

to your heartto your heart

3

‘Deer’ to your heartto your heart‘Deer’

to your heart‘Deer’ ‘Deer’

4

Since 1996, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort has welcomed Members “home” to villas sporting a hunting-and-fi shing-lodge aesthetic that has remained largely unchanged…until now.

Walt Disney Imagineering has teamed with a group of Atlanta-based designers to boldly re-imagine the villa interiors for the fi rst time in the resort’s history, infusing timeless traditions of the Lowcountry with contemporary sensibilities.

Bringing the outdoors in was among the teams’ design principles as they looked to transition away from the spaces’ existing dark reds and greens to a lighter, brighter palette.

“We landed on a design concept that we call ‘cabin in the woods,’” Walt Disney Imagineer Kim Brunson told Disney Files Magazine. “It begins with lighter colors that represent the grayish-blue moss you see hanging from the beautiful live oaks throughout the resort. When paired with the warm, rich tones of the wood furnishings, these colors offer a more contemporary take on the nature theme. It’s like a breath of fresh air.”

Featuring everything from driftwood-inspired hanging lights to tree-branch-inspired table lamps to a charming vignette of shadowboxed bird sculptures above the master bed, the re-imagined spaces balance modern styles with affectionate nods to the natural wonders that have attracted generations of vacationers to Hilton Head Island. The design choices also aim to make the villas feel more open, from the lighter colors that cover the walls and linens to the vinyl-wood-plank fl ooring that unites spaces previously separated by carpet and tile. Bedrooms, meanwhile, received stylish new carpeting featuring a raised leaf pattern that continues the nature theme.

Asked what she has enjoyed most about the project, Kim pointed to the moments when vision becomes reality.

“As much as I love the blue-sky phase, when anything can materialize and we aren’t limited in our thinking, there’s just something exciting about seeing it all come together,” she said. “Developing the custom pieces, working with the manufacturers and having everything combine to create real spaces that exceed our lofty expectations is tremendously satisfying. I think Members are going to love their new-look ‘home’ in the Lowcountry.”

See the new look for yourself during your next stay at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.

Re-imagining the villas at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

High styleHigh styleHigh stylein the Lowcountry

5

Photos by Olga Thompson

6

Guests arriving at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have long enjoyed memorable meetings with a man named Richard.

The Nebraska-born son of a minister (a lineage he says helped prepare him for a life “on stage”), the incomparable Richard Gerth has greeted countless families for more than 22 years, tipping his Victorian cap and fl ashing his trademark smile. The role is a “follow-up act” of sorts to his former career as a successful designer of steel bakery display cases in New England. Displaying smiles in Orlando instead of pastries in Boston was a life-changing decision that came at an emotional crossroads. Having lost his beloved wife (a woman he recalls being so taken by that it took him several dates to get up the nerve to hold her hand), Richard followed his prayers to Florida – not to retire in sorrow, but rather to embark on a mission to spread happiness.

Now 22 years into that mission, the 87-years-young Cast Member sits down with Disney Files Magazine Editor Ryan March to share his happy outlook.

with Richard Gerth

Ryan: I have to say, I think this is the fi rst time I’ve ever seen you sitting down.

Richard: Yes, it’s kind of hard for me to stay seated.

Ryan: How would you describe what you do for a living?

Richard: Simply put, I greet people with happiness.

Ryan: And you do it beautifully, my friend. Would you mind sharing how you got the job?

Richard: Sure. I went in the front door [of the resort], and they said, “We’re looking for a

7

greeter … Why don’t you take this number to Casting?” … So I went over to Casting and said, “I have this number that the Grand gave me.” [The Cast Member] put it in the computer and said, “Richard, you got the job!” I never fi lled out an application. I’m still here – 22 years later – happy as ever.

Ryan: If only every job interview was that easy. You’ve clearly perfected the art of spreading happiness. What’s your secret?

Richard: It starts with being happy yourself. It’s not about people being happy because of me; I like people to be happy with me.

Ryan: Well with that in mind, think for a moment about your happiest days on the job. What makes for a good day?

Richard: I think just about every day is a good day. To be acknowledged by another person is the greatest feeling anybody could get out of a job, and I get that feeling every day. When I say to you, “Ryan, it’s great to have you here on the job interviewing me today,” that’s meaningful. When I greet families and they say, “Richard, it’s great to see you,” I’m overjoyed.

Ryan: Many of the families who express how happy they are to see you really do look forward to your greetings each year. What does it mean to you to be part of families’ vacation traditions?

Richard (laughing): It touches your ego a little more than I should let happen. I’m overwhelmed … Just today, I’ve had four families stop by whose kids have posed for pictures with me every year … The children have come to look at me like a grandfather … Many of them have lost their grandfathers, and I’m still that image.

Ryan: Do you ever stop and think about the number of photos you must have posed for

through the years?

Richard: Gosh, already today, I’ve had 20 pictures!

Ryan: And it’s not even noon. So if I calculate that over 22 years, that’s…well…a lot of photos. Now I know you’re anxious to get back out to work, but before I let you go, I’m curious about your own vacation traditions. What do vacations look like for you?

Richard: For one month out of the year, I go up north to my home in New Hampshire. It was the home that my wife and I enjoyed the most.

8

Well with that in mind, think for a moment about your happiest days on the job.

up north to my home in New Hampshire. It was the home that my wife and I enjoyed the most.

I think just about every day is a good day. To be acknowledged by another person is the greatest feeling anybody could get out of a job, and I get that feeling every day. When I say to you, “Ryan, it’s great to have you here on the job interviewing me today,” that’s meaningful. When I greet families and they say, “Richard, it’s great to see you,” I’m overjoyed.

Many of the families who express how happy they are to see you really do look forward to your greetings each year. What does it mean to you to be part of families’ vacation traditions?

(laughing): It touches your ego a little more than I should let happen. I’m overwhelmed … Just today, I’ve had four families stop by whose kids have posed for pictures with me every year … The children have come to look at me like a grandfather … Many of them have lost their grandfathers, and I’m

Do you ever stop and think about the number of photos you must have posed for

moment about your happiest days on the job.

I think just about every day is a good day. To be acknowledged by another person is the greatest feeling anybody could get out of a job, and I get that feeling every day. When I say to you, “Ryan, it’s great to have you here on the job interviewing me today,” that’s meaningful. When I greet families and they say, “Richard, it’s great to see you,” I’m overjoyed.

Many of the families who express how happy they are to see you really do look forward to your greetings each year. What does it mean to you to be part of

(laughing): It touches your ego a little more than I should let happen. I’m overwhelmed … Just today, I’ve had four families stop by whose kids have posed for pictures with me every year … The children have come to look at me like a grandfather … Many of them have lost their grandfathers, and I’m

and think about the number of photos you must have posed for

8

9

Connecting in (and to) paradiseHawaiian excursions deepen cultural connection

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i: While every great vacation helps families connect with each other, Adventures by Disney excursions from Aulani go a step further, connecting families to the culture and traditions of the Aloha State and, in turn, to the many related details found throughout the resort.

Whether guiding Members and Guests by surfboard or kayak, horseback or hiking shoes, the family friendly excursions are designed to take families to places they wouldn’t – or couldn’t – discover on their own, while also delivering a deeper understanding of Hawai‘i.

“I was born and raised here on O‘ahu, and I’m so proud to be able to connect families to the real Hawai‘i,” Aulani Adventure Guide Matt Solomona told Disney Files Magazine. “The more I can help families experience and understand my home, the more they can understand and appreciate Aulani.”

Among the excursions Matt leads is one that takes families out of the Disney-created Waikolohe Valley and into the island’s spectacular and sacred Waimea Valley – a living example of what’s known in Hawai‘i as an ahupua‘a, a traditional Hawaiian land division that extends from the mountain to the shore. The 8 a.m.-

2 p.m. excursion, available to Members and Guests ages 4 or older, includes roundtrip transportation from Aulani, a guided walk through botanical gardens, hands-on Hawaiian activities (including traditional games of skill for kids), snacks and lunch, and more.

Matt cited early Hawaiians’ use of the Kukui Nut Tree (the state tree of Hawai‘i) among the many Waimea Valley wonders that deepen families’ appreciation of Aulani details.

“Kukui in Hawaiian means light or fi re, so the tree is known as the candle nut tree,” he explained. “Ancient Hawaiians would break open the nut, which is about 80 percent oil, skewer them and then light them as torches. Each nut would stay lit for 5-10 minutes, so they served as both a light source and as an early clock system, knowing about how long each would last. If you look at a lot of the torches at Aulani, you’ll see that they’re designed to represent those Kukui Nut torches.”

To learn more about the diverse excursions available from Aulani, including pricing and advance-reservation information, visit DisneyAulani.com/excursions. To register for an excursion while at the resort, visit the lobby’s Holoholo Tours and Travel desk.

community

10

Jim and Renee Walker of Idaho, Members since 2007

Tell us about your best trip ever by mailing a letter to Disney Files Magazine’s “Best Trip Ever,” Disney Vacation Club, 1390 Celebration Blvd., Celebration, FL 34747. Tell us where you traveled with your Membership, what made the trip so memorable and what advice you have for other Members visiting that destination. Include photos if you have them (saving copies for yourself as we can’t return ours), and remember to enclose a completed and signed release form, available for download at dvcmember.com/releaseform. Please also tell us your preferred contact information (phone number or email address) and the year your family became Disney Vacation Club Members.

Golden anniversary

When a vacation fi nds you connecting like never before after 50 years in each other’s lives, you may be having the best trip ever. That was the case for Jim and Renee Walker of Idaho, Members since 2007, as they took their fi rst trip to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the day they met.

“We are seasoned Disney Vacation Club Members, so we’re always expecting to be impressed,” the couple wrote. “You still astounded us [with] a masterpiece in the Disney tradition. Every facet of the resort is awe-inspiring.”

This vacation was a rare opportunity to relax and reconnect for parents whose daughter has special needs that have required 24-hour care since 1978. Unwinding meant immersing themselves in the resort’s most tranquil amenities, enjoying treatments at Laniwai – A Disney Spa, relaxing in the Waikolohe Valley and taking in the sunset from their dinner table at ‘AMA ‘AMA.

“We would advise anyone making the trip to Aulani to plan ahead and take full advantage of the resort amenities by booking your dinner and spa appointments as early as possible,” the couple shared as a tip. “We spent the fi rst day at the spa, and it really helped us get in the ‘aloha spirit.’ You can really sense the peace and serenity if you just relax and soak it in. Slow down and visit with the resort’s staff. Take the time to view the murals, and learn about Hawaiian history and traditions. Aulani makes this easy and entertaining … The resort is located within easy driving distance of just about any island activity

you desire, so we would recommend renting a car for transport to and from the airport and for exploring the island. We found it’s best to travel at mid-morning or mid-afternoon for lighter traffi c. Though once you are at Aulani, you will fi nd yourself reluctant to leave.”

Up next on the couple’s vacation radar is a return trip to paradise.

“We have already booked our return to Aulani and cannot wait,” they wrote. “But no matter how many times we return to Aulani, our fi rst trip there was our best trip ever!”

2007

2013

BestTrip Ever!

Did you know? The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recently honored Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i, with

three prestigious ARDA Awards, including the “ACE Project of Excellence Award” for its cooperation between designers, engineers, operators,

government offi cials and the local community; the “Amenities Award” and the “Green Sustainable Program within a Resort Award.”

comm

unit

y

Bali holidayMandara Spa offers Member exclusives

part of

Disneyland Resort: Anyone who’s ever ordered a burger “animal style” knows that secret menus are as synonymous with Southern California as movie stars, fancy cars and panic over rain. It’s with that spirit in mind that Disney Files Magazine is pleased to let you in on a “secret menu” created for Disney Vacation Club Members at the renowned Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Adding a touch of Bali to the Disneyland Resort experience, Mandara Spa offers tranquil treatments in an oasis of relaxation, where rustic stonework and fi nely crafted woodwork combine to compliment the hotel’s classic California Arts & Crafts style. The spa features eight exotic treatment rooms, a spacious Couples’ Suite, separate men’s and women’s sauna and steam rooms, a world-class fi tness center and a full-service nail pavilion, along with a restful Tea Room that begins every experience.

When calling (714) 300-7350 to add a Mandara Spa treatment to your Disneyland vacation, be sure to ask about Disney Vacation Club Member menu offerings available during

your visit. Offered seven days a week based on availability, these treatments aren’t included on the menu of offerings available to Guests, adding another secret layer to Membership Magic.

This June, July and August, for example, Members may enjoy an exclusive “Papaya + Moringa Facial” that uses Elemis’ Papaya Enzyme Peel product and moringa (an ingredient taken from a “miracle tree” known for its nutritional and medicinal properties) in a purifying process that includes a cleanse, facial massage, eye serum and mask, sun protection and more. This secret 60-minute treatment is available to Members for $165 and includes a complimentary paraffi n hand treatment (a $30 value).

To learn more about the spa’s offerings before calling to make your reservation, visit MandaraSpa.com, click on “United States” in the locations listing and look for the Anaheim location. There, you’ll fi nd updated operating hours, descriptions of signature treatments and even a full, downloadable menu of offerings. (Of course, that menu won’t mention the secret Member treatments, which are just between us.)

“Me Time Magic” in Florida: Taking advantage of the weekly Member nights at Senses – A Disney Spa at the Walt Disney World Resort? Remember that your usual 15 percent Member discount off spa treatments applies. Learn more at DVCMember.com.

12

Wake up on the wild sideSunrise Safari available to more Members for a limited time

Walt Disney World Resort: The Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Sunrise Safari – a small-group expedition and breakfast at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park typically reserved for Members and Guests staying on the Kilimanjaro Club Concierge Level of Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – is available this summer to all Members staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (both Jambo House and Kidani Village), as well as their Guests, as part of Membership Magic.

The recently launched test period for this broadened offering, which takes place on Thursdays and Sundays, is tentatively scheduled to run through August, giving more Members than ever the opportunity to beat the summer heat with this early-morning adventure.

Designed to deliver a more relaxed animal-viewing experience, the Sunrise Safari leads as many as 56 Members or Guests (who meet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge before traveling together to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where Theme Park admission is required) through the familiar Harambe Wildlife Reserve

in unfamiliar fashion. Without the usual number of safari vehicles on the savanna, each group’s vehicle is free to stop for photos whenever animals exhibit interesting behaviors. And with the animals’ energy levels at their peak during these cooler morning hours, those moments tend to be more plentiful.

“We get to see some of the animals’ fi rst steps onto the savannas for the day, so they’re more interested in exploring,” Animal Operations Manager Greg Peccie told Disney Files Magazine.

While observing animals at this leisurely pace, adventurers enjoy rich interactions with their onboard guide, gaining insights on Disney’s animal care and Park operations. The experience culminates with guides joining Guests for a breakfast buffet featuring traditional and African-inspired fare in a private room at Pizzafari.

“Our favorite part of the experience is getting the chance to spend more time visiting with families about the work we do and the passion we have for the animals,” Greg added.

Call Member Services for pricing, reservations and more details.

Not a morning person? Check out the Dine with Animal Specialists lunches at Sanaa, the savanna-view restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas’ Kidani Village. Available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the experience lets as many as 12 Members and Guests (primarily adults, though the experience does welcome children) visit with a Disney Animal Specialist while savoring a four-course meal that culminates with an up-close encounter with radiated tortoises – one of the most endangered animals cared for at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. A portion of the proceeds benefi t the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. Call Member Services for pricing and reservations. (Note that reservations are highly recommended and are available as many as 180 days in advance.)

13

Disney Files Magazine proudly presents photos and stories from Members who have made Disney part of their home decorating. This edition’s submission comes from Gary and Kristen Vistalli of California, Members since 2007.

Treating sheetrock like canvas, Gary and Kristen Vistalli have turned their home into a glittering gallery of Disney magic, covering walls with sprawling, hand-painted murals celebrating

their favorite Disney Parks, films and characters. From Belle’s date night with the Beast to Peter Pan’s flight over London to a Sleeping Beauty Castle mural that sparkles with fiber-optic fireworks, the murals are part Michelangelo, part Mickey Mouse and all worthy of honoring here in Disney Files Magazine. It’s the perfect setting for a couple who married on July 17, sharing their anniversary with the Disney Theme Park that started it all.

Do you have a Disney home? Whether it’s an expansive collection of Disney memorabilia or your own Disney-inspired space, we’d like to see it. Send your photos (keeping copies for yourself as we won’t return ours), along with a letter containing your Member Since year and describing your unique Disney style, to Disney Files Magazine’s “My Disney Home,” Disney Vacation Club, 1390 Celebration Blvd., Celebration, FL 34747. Remember to include a signed release form, available for download and printing online at www.dvcmember.com/releaseform.

comm

unit

y

Our excitement about the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction (page 19), coupled with our enthusiasm for any idea that involves repurposing trash, drew us to this cute craft idea (suitable for kids ages 5-8) from our friends at Spoonful. Remember to “whistle while you work” on this one, and visit Spoonful.com for more fun ideas to inspire your family to make…every day!

Stuff (most of which is available at your local craft store, junk drawer or waste basket)

1. 11 toilet tissue tubes2. Craft knife3. Measuring tape4. Craft paints in assorted colors*5. Paintbrushes6. Pencil7. A few cotton swabs8. Fine-tipped markers9. Felt in assorted colors* 10. Scissors11. Hot glue gun or tacky glue12. 7 small yellow buttons13. Black embroidery fl oss or string14. Craft wire (5-inch length)

*including white and character-appropriate skin-tone

Steps:1. Paint the upper third of seven toilet tissue tubes a

skin-tone hue. Then paint the lower portions of the

tubes assorted colors for the Dwarfs’ shirts. From the

remaining tubes, cut seven 2-inch lengths and paint

them assorted colors for the Dwarfs’ pants.

2. When the paint is dry, cut one vertical slit all the way

through each pants tube from one open end to the

other, then slip the pants tube into the shirt-colored

ends of the larger tubes.

3. Time to make faces. Use a cotton swab to dab on the

whites of their eyes, and add pink eyelids for Sleepy,

pink noses (except for Sneezy, whose nose should be

more red), pink cheeks (red for Bashful) and white

bushy eyebrows for Happy. When the paint is dry,

use markers to lightly outline the eyes and add pupils

(blue irises, too, for Dopey). Then draw on the mouths

(remember wide smiles for Happy and Dopey, a scowl

for Grumpy and a small circle for Sleepy), eyebrows

(arched for Grumpy) and eyelashes for Dopey and

Bashful.

4. Cut beards from white felt for all Dwarfs except Dopey

(who instead should get fl esh-tone felt ears) and glue

them in place once facial features have dried.

5. Next, fashion hats by rolling four-inch felt squares into

cones and gluing down the overlapped edge. Trim the

remaining triangle from the brim to create a perfect

little cone, and pull the hats over the Dwarf’s heads.

6. For belts, thread the yellow buttons onto 6-inch

lengths of embroidery fl oss or string, tie snugly around

the tube and trim the ends.

7. Finally, twist a pair of glasses for Doc from your craft

wire, wrapping the wire around your pencil to create

appropriately-sized lenses.

of

15

ANSWERS: (1) The two window shutters near the roof peak have become one, (2) a seagull has landed on the light post, (3) the “LOBSTERS” sign now has a New England accent, (4) two window panes on the door have become one, (5) the life ring on the door now mimics a Mickey head, (6) one of the largest buoys on the front of the shack has turned from yellow to red and (7) a boat in the background has started to sink.

altered

picture thisSee if you can spot the seven things we’ve altered in this photo of an eclectic lobster shack in the great state of Maine, one of the charming New England destinations available to Members through Member Getaways.

comm

unit

y

original

16

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:Citrus Roundup BBQ Rub ingredients:2 ½ tablespoons lemon pepper2 tablespoons seasoning salt2 tablespoons paprika1 tablespoon sugar1 tablespoon brown sugar1 tablespoon ground cumin1 tablespoon chili powder1 tablespoon garlic powder1 tablespoon onion powder¼ tablespoon cayenne pepper

Big Thunder RibsAs the recently refurbished Big Thunder

Mountain Railroad takes Disneyland Guests back out on the rails for the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” Disney Files Magazine is pleased to enhance your summer menu with the recipe for Big Thunder Ribs, complete with the Big Thunder Ranch’s secret to creating its Citrus Roundup BBQ rub.

DISNEY DISH

Steps:Citrus Roundup BBQ Rub1. Stir to combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.

Ribs1. Sprinkle Citrus Roundup BBQ Rub on both sides of ribs, rubbing into the meat to adhere. Cover

with plastic wrap and refrigerate for eight hours or overnight.2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place ribs in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet and pour

water into pan. Cover with foil and roast for one hour.3. Remove the pan from oven and uncover. Pour off any excess water. Evenly coat top of ribs with

BBQ sauce, return uncovered pan to oven and roast for 30 minutes.4. Remove pan from oven and cover lightly with foil. Allow to rest for 10 minutes.5. Slice ribs between each bone with a serrated knife and serve immediately.

Other ingredients for dish:1 (4-pound) rack of pork spareribs, trimmed of excess fat½ cup water1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The fl avor profi le may vary from the restaurant’s version. All recipes are the property of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., and may not be reproduced without express permission.

17

Development news: Construction is progressing on the planned Disney Vacation Club location at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where plans include proposed water bungalows on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Watch Disney Files Magazine for updates at a future date. This resort is not yet completed, registered or available for sale.

Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i: Look for the new logo above on a variety of Aulani merchandise items, including T-shirts, a hat, a holiday ornament, a window cling and more at Kalepa’s Store. The design’s cleverly hidden Mickey feels right at home at a place where a second look is often rewarded with a new discovery.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Beds at Bay Lake Tower (a resort that inexplicably turns five years old on Aug. 4!) have switched from standard pillows to jumbo pillows, made the move from duvets to the more modern top sheet style that previously debuted next door at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and have received new box spring covers. Sleep tight.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas: Johari Treasures, the shop located in the Kidani Village lobby, recently added oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches and assorted pastries to the menu of prepared breakfast offerings available from 7-11 a.m. daily. At the Maji Pool Bar, meanwhile, a barbecue pork sandwich, foot-long chili cheese dog, and nachos with chili and cheese are among the latest additions to the menu. Both locations accept select Disney Dining Plans (an entrée, drink and dessert at either location qualifies as a quick-service meal, while a pastry item at Johari Treasures qualifies as a snack).

Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment District: ESPN Club, a dining hotspot that doesn’t typically take reservations, has a new option for fans who want to secure their spot in the restaurant for a particular game. Available during certain popular sporting events, the new VIP seating option lets Members and Guests call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463) to reserve a banquette-style seat on the second tier of the “Sports Central” dining room, with prime view of the theater-sized screen. Note that a minimum spend (subject to change) of $50 per adult and $25 per child ages 3-9 (tax and tip not included) is required.

Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment District: Members and Guests can now make their rock ‘n roll dreams come true with the “Let’s Get Rockin! Totally Interactive Band” on Thursday nights at Atlantic Dance Hall on Disney’s BoardWalk. Play the guitar, bass, drums or keyboard and even assume the role of lead singer while the Tom Casey band plays back-up. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the experience keeps rockin’ until 1:30 a.m. While a $5 cover charge applies to Guests, Disney Vacation Club Members get free admission for themselves and as many as three Guests each. Note that admission is limited to Members and Guests ages 21 or older.

neighborhood notesnew and newsworthy in our magical community

comm

unit

y

18

Disney’s Beach Club Villas: Look for new pool furniture (including a pool table) during your next visit “home” to Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort: A variety of refurbishment projects are maintaining the luster of the original Disney Vacation Club Resort, with crews recently installing a new beverage island at Goods to Go, and refreshing the look of Gurgling Suitcase with new tile, flooring, props and an expanded bar counter. As this magazine hits the press, crews are installing new flooring at Olivia’s, which will remain open throughout the process.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort: Meet Pirate Goofy and Pirate Donald as you feast on such “harrrrrty” fare as rotisserie chicken, brisket, pulled pork, potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans, cornbread and cupcakes during special “Pirate Dinners” at Shutters on Monday nights (5-9 p.m.) through Sept. 1, 2014. For reservations, call (772) 234-2180.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort: Members may pre-book a memorable “turtle walk” with the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) for Monday or Thursday evenings (8:30 p.m.) in June and July at the Barrier Island Center, located about 10 miles north of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. (Note that transportation isn’t provided, so you’ll need a car or cab.) During the experience, which calls for a donation of $15 a person, attendees have a private opportunity to explore the Barrier Island Center before learning about sea turtles and embarking on a walk for a chance to see a nesting loggerhead sea turtle. To pre-book, visit dvc.seaturtlewalks.org and use the booking code DVC14STC.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Look for new appetizers on the updated menu at the Grand Floridian Café, including pan-seared scallops with bacon-laced arugula, spinach, fennel and a lemon-butter emulsion; and a new salad that pairs seasonal greens with local strawberries, toasted pecans, goat cheese and aged balsamic vinaigrette. Condo Meeting: The 2014 Disney Vacation Club Condominium Association Meeting is scheduled to take place on Dec. 11, 2014 at the Walt Disney World Resort. Watch DVCMember.com updates and more details.

Pool hopping: Whenever you’re using your Membership to stay at a Disney Vacation Club Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort or at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, you and any Guests staying with you are permitted to pool hop to other eligible pools if they’re not at capacity. Due to expected high occupancy, pool hopping isn’t available May 23-26, June 28-July 7, Aug. 29-Sept. 1, Nov. 24-29, and Dec. 20, 2014- Jan. 4, 2015. Pool hopping is never available at Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the pools at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, the pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas, the pools at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or at the Disneyland Resort in California. Further block-out dates may be added based on capacity issues. Look for details online at DVCMember.com. Please remember that pools are available only to registered Members and Guests staying at that

resort (along with those staying with them in their room), as well as Members utilizing

their pool-hopping perk. Pool usage isn’t available to Guests who

are staying at other resorts or who live locally.

Trip Tip: Here’s a little trip tip for Members using MagicBands at the Walt Disney World Resort. While you may use your MagicBand to charge back to your room for food, merchandise and recreation at select locations, remember to carry your Disney Vacation Club Member ID and photo ID to ensure you’re able to enjoy any available Member discounts and make purchases that require an ID. You may also consider carrying a credit card or debit card in case you need to guarantee a last-minute dining reservation or make purchases without your MagicBand. Your photo ID and Member ID also will come in handy if you need to replace your lost MagicBand. Remember that you also can manage your MagicBands through the My Disney Experience mobile app.

Seven ‘Happy’ featuresAn inside look at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

destinations

Walt Disney World Resort: Walt Disney Imagineer Dave Minichiello shares seven experiences he “digs, digs, digs” about the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train family coaster, scheduled to have completed New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom Park by the time this magazine mails.

Venture into the woods: “From the beginning of the New Fantasyland project, the vision for this area of the Park was that beyond the castle wall is an Enchanted Forest ... With the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, we’re able to complete that forest vision in dramatic fashion.”

See ‘Seven’ from 360: “The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train holds the rare distinction of being viewable from every angle, creating incredible views both on and near the attraction.”

Stay smooth: “We developed brand-new, pivoting ride vehicles specifi cally for this attraction, and they’re unlike anything we’ve ever created. Unlike a traditional coaster with curves that shift your weight from side to side, the pivoting train cars – and your center of gravity – allow you to move smoothly through every twist and turn. It’s a really fun sensation that makes the attraction easily repeatable for the entire family.”

Go ‘home’: “This is the fi rst time we’ve ever built a full-size rendition of the Dwarfs’ cottage. Guests get really nice views of this new icon from the queue, and the fi nale scene of the attraction takes you just outside the storied cottage.”

Mix it up: “The attraction offers an even mix of leisurely indoor scenes at speeds similar to traditional dark rides and thrilling outdoor coaster sequences with twists and turns that make full use of those pivoting train cars.”

‘Rock’ out: “Each area of rockwork in New Fantasyland tells a unique story, from the sharp, chiseled rocks surrounding the Be Our Guest Restaurant to rockwork near Prince Eric’s castle that appears to have been weathered by the sea. At the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, rockwork features bigger, rounder boulders with warmer tones, completing the diverse, rocky landscape of the Enchanted Forest.”

Get perspective: “As our story is told from the Dwarfs’ perspective, which is another fi rst for a Disney Park, we’ve scaled everything to have a bulky, oversized appearance. It helps give the attraction a really unique look, and I think it adds to its charm.”

19

Get a sneak peek at the cutting-edge Seven Dwarfs Mine Train characters!

Disneyland Paris: A studio built by a mouse is about to welcome a rat, as Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris will soon open a new mini-land inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Ratatouille – the Academy Award-winning 2007 film about a Parisian rat with big dreams of becoming a great chef.

This new corner of the Theme Park’s Toon Studio area will be home to Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Remy, a first-of-its-kind attraction that will shrink Guests to the size of a rat. To avoid capture by culinary nemesis Chef Skinner, Guests will have to scurry with Remy and his friends through the kitchen, dining room and walls of Gusteau’s restaurant, with three-dimensional sets and special effects combining to immerse the entire family in the hair-raising adventure.

“We bring Guests onto the rooftops of Paris at human scale, and then, through a theatrical transition, shrink them down and reveal the rooftops now seen from the scale of Remy,” Walt Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald told Disney Files Magazine. “It’s a wonderful moment in the show that gets Guests ready for the adventure to follow.”

Also part of the mini-land is the adjacent Bistrot Chez Remy, a table-service restaurant inspired by the rodent-sized eatery Remy opens at the end of the Disney•Pixar film.

“It seemed only natural that Guests would want to experience Remy’s cooking first-hand,” Tom said.

“Although Remy’s restaurant is seen only briefly in the film, it provided our designers the jumping-off point for creating our restaurant. We took our cue from the film, imagining what human objects Remy would use to create tables, chairs and other items needed in a restaurant. It was tremendously fun for the designers, and yet one of the biggest challenges of the project.”

Equally challenging, Tom acknowledged, was creating a French environment in actual France.

“With the real Paris down the road, our intent here was to recreate the Paris of Ratatouille, employing many of the design tricks and techniques the Pixar team utilized when creating the look for the film,” Tom explained. “The term ‘crookedology’ was used quite a bit to represent the idea of exaggerating angles and shapes of buildings. And, of course, we reached back to the early techniques used by Walt’s original Imagineers for Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland, using forced perspective to create the illusion of greater height by reducing the size of each successive floor in the building. This has the added benefit of giving the buildings a more fantasy look and feel, making them appear friendlier and more inviting.”

Both the attraction and restaurant are scheduled to open this summer, and a new merchandise shop – Chez Marianne Souvenirs de Paris – is slated to complete the mini-land this fall.

Join the rat raceRatatouille-inspired attraction anchors new mini-land

20

Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts: Here’s a little “trip tip” for families looking to keep their kids’ nutrition on track during their Disneyland or Walt Disney World vacation. Remember to look for the “Mickey Check” symbol on restaurant menus to easily identify items meeting Disney Nutrition Guidelines that limit calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar.

Walt Disney World Resort: It “Sounds Like Summer” at Epcot, where tribute bands are performing nightly concerts at the America Gardens Theatre, performing hits made famous by the Eagles (June 8-14), Journey (June 15-21), Billy Joel (June 22-28), Boston (June 29-July 5), the Bee Gees (July 6-12), Bon Jovi (July 13-19) and U2 (July 20-26).

Walt Disney World Resort: The ever-evolving My Disney Experience mobile app, part of MyMagic+, recently added a new home screen for iPhone, along with significant speed and performance improvements for iOS devices. The free app, available for iPhone and Android devices (look for Android-app enhancements later this year), makes it easier than ever for families to plan and share their Walt Disney World vacation details at home and on the go. Access Theme Park hours, show times and attraction wait times; explore the Parks with GPS-enabled maps; browse restaurant

menus and make reservations; select and modify FastPass+ experiences; manage your MagicBands and more. Download it today through the Apple App Store or Android Marketplace, and learn more about MyMagic+ offerings online at DVCMember.com.

Walt Disney World Resort: House of Blues at Downtown Disney West Side has added a quick-service “Smokehouse” to its menu of Southern-style dining options. Located near the Front Porch Bar (where popular concoctions include the “Swamp Water,” a blend of vodka, Blue Curacao and orange juice) and expanded outdoor stage (home to nightly performances by local musicians), the new Smokehouse window serves a variety of smoked-meat sandwiches (beef brisket, pulled pork and chicken), smoked turkey legs, St. Louis-style ribs and all-beef hot dogs, along with sides of coleslaw, baked beans and fresh-baked bread. The Smokehouse typically operates from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, with prices ranging from $6.99-$12.99. Walt Disney World Resort: Members and Guests experiencing this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will have an extra week to feed their appetite, as the festival will run a week longer than usual – tempting taste buds for a record 53 days from Sept. 19-Nov. 10. Visit EpcotFoodFestival.com to learn more, and look for additional details about the festival in the fall edition of Disney Files Magazine, scheduled to begin mailing in August.

Walt Disney World Resort: Work is underway on a Magic Kingdom project that will enhance the hub in front of Cinderella Castle with sculpted gardens, additional pathways, and a special viewing area for fireworks and other performances. Also part of the multiphase project are seating areas outside of Casey’s Corner and The Plaza restaurant, which will nearly double in size. Work is scheduled for completion in 2015.

Walt Disney World Resort: New images, artwork and artifacts related to watershed moments in African American history have joined the “Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from

BUZZWORTHY10 stories • 2 pages • 1 space ranger

dest

inat

ions

the Kinsey Collection” exhibit at The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot. The Kinsey family’s private collection has been displayed throughout the U.S., including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Since 2008, about 40 pieces from the collection have been on display at Epcot, where Guests use touch screens to further explore the pieces’ related history. Guest-activated lanterns help bring the story to life with narration by such celebrities as Academy Award-winner Whoopi Goldberg, ABC News’ Diane Sawyer and ABC primetime star Kerry Washington (“Scandal”).

Walt Disney World Resort: Be sure to visit Disneyworld.com/Summer to learn about special Walt Disney World experiences available in the months ahead, including an after-hours Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park event called “Harambe Nights.” This all-inclusive event features a unique theatrical experience in the new Harambe Theatre, bringing the story of The Lion King to life with a celebrity narrator, live orchestra, cast and choir. The event, which also includes African-inspired cuisine, as well as wine and beer, is scheduled to take place on select Saturday nights beginning June 7.

Adventures by Disney: As this edition of Disney Files Magazine mails, our friends at Adventures by Disney are announcing their slate of new itineraries for 2015, including the company’s fi rst guided trips to the “Ecuador: Amazon and the Galapagos.” Watch DVCMember.com for Adventures by Disney 2015 itineraries and points charts*, and look for more details about this new vacation option in the fall edition of Disney Files Magazine.

Disney Cruise Line: An unprecedented slate of itineraries will take Disney Cruise Line Guests on voyages of discovery, culture and excitement in 2015 with new ports and destinations adding to a diverse slate of returning favorites.

During the summer 2015 season, the newly re-imagined Disney Magic will “Let it Go” through the “Frozen” fjords of Norway, with select itineraries also making stops in the Faroe Islands (steeped in Viking history) and Iceland. Other European ports on tap for this fl agship vessel include such Northern European capitals as St. Petersburg, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki, and such Mediterranean ports as Naples, Rome, Monte Carlo and Florence.

The Disney Wonder, meanwhile, will return next summer to the great Northwest to explore the rugged grandeur of Alaska with 7-night voyages to Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau and Tracy Arm.

Summer sailings to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Fla., include 3-, 4- and new 5-night voyages aboard the Disney Dream (with some itineraries featuring two visits to Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay) and 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises aboard the Disney Fantasy.

Looking beyond the summer season and through the end of 2015, Disney Cruise Line itinerary options will include Hawaiian, Mexican Riviera and Bahamian experiences aboard the Disney Wonder, as well as Caribbean and Bahamian voyages from Miami on the Disney Magic. Port Canaveral will continue to be the gateway to the Bahamas aboard the Disney Dream and the Caribbean aboard the Disney Fantasy.

Watch for available itineraries as points charts* become available online at DVCMember.com before calling Member Services to book your voyage.

*Some vacation options are available only to Members who purchased their ownership interest directly from Disney.

Norway

vacation option in the fall edition of Disney Files Magazine.

continue to be the gateway to the Bahamas aboard the Disney Dream and the Caribbean aboard the Disney Fantasy.

Watch for available itineraries as points charts* become available online at DVCMember.com before calling Member Services to book your voyage.

*Some vacation options are available only to Members who purchased their ownership interest directly from Disney.

22

23

diversions

Enjoy Disney Movies AnywhereNew free service makes it easier to enjoy Disney movies on the go

Whether you’re taking Olaf outdoors, Remy to a restaurant or Tony Stark on a cross-country fl ight, there’s a new app for that.

Available through the iTunes App Store (AppStore.com/Disney), the Disney Movies Anywhere app is part of a free, cloud-based service that lets fans easily access their personal Disney, Pixar and Marvel movie collection (both digital downloads and digital copies of physical DVDs and Blu-ray Discs) anytime, from just about anywhere.

By creating a free account or using their existing Disney Movie Rewards account information, fans can browse and access their purchased Disney digital movies on their computer (through DisneyMoviesAnywhere.com), TV (through Apple TV with iCloud or AirPlay) or Apple iOS mobile devices (iPhone, iPad or iPod touch). By connecting their accounts to iTunes, users will have access to their content in both places. Disney plans to expand availability to additional providers and devices in the future.

Part digital locker and part movie marketplace, Disney Movies Anywhere also

lets fans browse digital titles from Disney’s entire active digital-movie library of more than 400 titles and counting (earning Disney Movie Rewards points and special offers in the process), enjoy exclusive content (from behind-the-scenes features to original series, with content updated weekly) and more in a family friendly Disney environment that’s instantly accessible. New purchases can be made through the user’s connected iTunes account.

Fans with digital copies of Disney movies already in their personal iTunes libraries can sync them with their Disney Movies Anywhere account, and owners of codes for digital copies of Disney movies (found in many Disney DVD and Blu-ray Disc releases since 2008) can download those fi lms through the new service free of charge.

To celebrate the launch of this “incredible” new service, fans who register for Disney Movies Anywhere and link to their iTunes account will receive a complimentary digital copy of the Disney•Pixar hit The Incredibles. Learn more at DisneyMoviesAnywhere.com.

24

Flying into the fi rePlanes: Fire & Rescue opening in theaters July 18

Moviegoers will soar into the world of wildfi re air attack on July 18, as Planes: Fire & Rescue fl ies into U.S. theaters in 3D.

Developed concurrently with 2013’s Planes, the new Disneytoon Studios animated adventure fi nds Dusty Crophopper – the determined crop duster who realized his racing dreams in the 2013 fi lm – at a crossroads as engine damage threatens to end his competitive career just as it’s taking off. Shifting gears and launching into the dangerous world of aerial fi refi ghting, Dusty (voiced by Dane Cook) joins forces with a veteran fi re-and-rescue helicopter named Blade Ranger and a courageous attack team that includes spirited air tanker Dipper (voiced by Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Battling with the team against a massive wildfi re, Dusty fi nds not only a new purpose, but also a new perspective on what it really means to be a hero.

Taking the Planes universe into the world of aerial fi refi ghting was a natural course.

“Dusty’s character design is based on an actual aircraft type that’s known as a S.E.A.T., or single-engine air tanker,” director Bobs Gannaway explained to Disney Files Magazine. “It’s built not only for crop dusting, but also for fi refi ghting. So there’s a natural entry for Dusty into this story. In fact, the very fi rst air-attack fi refi ghting team was a group of California crop dusters in the 1950s who re-jiggered their aircraft to drop water.”

Crop dusters aren’t the only vehicles fi nding “second careers” as fi refi ghters, a fact that further inspired fi lmmakers.

“Almost all of the aircraft used in air-attack fi refi ghting today are repurposed military or commercial vehicles,” Bobs added. “So it becomes a perfect metaphor in our story of

second chances.”The story choice also allowed the fi lmmakers

to honor a group of heroes whose work often goes unnoticed.

“There are more than 50,000 wildfi res a year in the United States, but we only hear about the big ones,” Bobs said. “These heroes are out there every day fi ghting fi res and protecting lives and property.”

Producer Ferrell Barron echoed those sentiments, noting that fi lmmakers spent extensive time with fi refi ghters through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (including research trips to the Hemet-Ryan Air Attack base, the largest air-attack base in frequently fi re-threatened Southern California) to ensure that the fi lm was accurate in its portrayal of this heroic work.

“These are extraordinary people, and it became our mission to make sure that, at the end of the day, the fi refi ghters are happy with this movie,” Ferrell told us.

Part of that commitment to authenticity included ambitious visual effects that would push the animation art form to new heights.

“Fire, water and smoke are known to be among the most diffi cult visual effects in animation, and this fi lm is fi lled with all three,” Ferrell said. “There are more than 660 visual effects shots in this fi lm – including fi re animated on a scale never attempted by Disney – and we spent more than two-and-a-half years in research and development to make sure we could pull it off. To do something in animation that we haven’t been able to accomplish before is tremendously satisfying.”

Flying into the fi re opening in theaters July 18

24

“Almost all of the aircraft used in air-attack fi refi ghting today are repurposed military or commercial vehicles,” Bobs added. “So it becomes a perfect metaphor in our story of

we spent more than two-and-a-half years in research and development to make sure we could pull it off. To do something in animation that we haven’t been able to accomplish before is tremendously satisfying.”

Disney.com/PlanesFireAndRescue

25

heritage

Memories of the ’64 World’s FairBy Disney Legend Marty Sklar

Ever since the amazing Crystal Palace dazzled audiences at the 1851 World’s Fair in London (the fi rst great World’s Fair and an event “modestly” dubbed “The Great Exhibition of the Works of All Nations”), World’s Fairs have celebrated innovation in technology, architecture and design. Many city skylines continue to feature treasures from World’s Fairs, from Paris’ Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle; to Seattle’s Space Needle, created as the symbol of the Century 21 Exposition in 1962; to the venerable Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, which occupies the former Palace of Fine Arts, built for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. And of course, there’s New York’s iconic Unisphere, built for the World’s Fair that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

To fully appreciate the envelope-pushing nature of the four pavilions Disney created for that fair, it helps to have some historical context. Consider, for example, how common it is for any hit Broadway show to cut its teeth in smaller markets like Peoria or Toledo before hitting the Great White Way. Walt Disney broke that rule (and plenty of others) at the 1964-65 World’s Fair, introducing his repertoire of magical attractions in New York – the country’s center of business and commerce – before moving them to “smaller markets” in Southern California and, later, Central Florida (both of which now rank among the

world’s biggest stages). In retrospect, it’s easy to see that Walt Disney

used the New York World’s Fair as a stepping-stone from West to East – from Anaheim to Orlando. By designing four of the fair’s fi ve most popular shows for major corporate sponsors, Walt even managed to help fund his East Coast dream with other companies’ money (companies, by the way, that were all too happy to have Walt Disney on their World’s Fair team).

The fair, as you may know, took place at Flushing Meadows in the New York City borough of Queens – the same site that had hosted the 1939 World’s Fair, symbolized by the famous Trylon and Perisphere. Twenty-fi ve years later, the U.S. Steel Unisphere – still standing there today – became the symbol of an international event emboldened by the theme “Peace Through Understanding.” It took place on a 646-acre site that featured 150 pavilions and 66 participating nations. While 51 million visitors attended, notably missing (in the midst of the “Cold War”) was a Russian pavilion.

Major corporations gathered to compete for fairgoers’ favor. IBM’s “People Wall” and GM’s “Futurama” were among the favorites, as were the Francis Thompson fi lm, “To Be Alive” (for Johnson’s Wax), the viewing of Michelangelo’s Pieta (in the Vatican Pavilion) and the Belgian Waffl es that had visitors drooling in the international area.

Disney Legend Marty Sklar, the longtime creative leader of Walt Disney Imagineering and the only Cast Member to have been part of every Disney Park opening on earth, continues to write and inspire in retirement, penning everything from his revealing

memoirs (Dream it! Do it! My Half Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms, available wherever books are sold) to his recurring column in Disney Files Magazine. As 2014 marks the milestone 50th anniversary of the famed 1964 New York World’s Fair, Disney Files Magazine is thrilled to share Marty’s firsthand perspectives of Disney’s contributions to that landmark event. Readers may email Marty at marty@martysklarcreative.com.

But if this was truly “the Olympic Games of Industry” as some called it, then it was Walt Disney who won the gold medal. Walt called the Fair “the greatest show on Earth – except for Disneyland!” Others claimed that the fair’s organizer, New York urban planner Robert Moses, hit the jackpot with his “two stars” – Michelangelo and Walt Disney!

Beginning in 1960, Walt’s team began creating pavilion presentations for General Electric (Carousel of Progress), Ford Motor Company (Magic Skyway), The State of Illinois (Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln) and Pepsi Cola/Unicef (“its a small world”). Taking on such work 3,000 miles from Disneyland Park was a huge gamble for Disney. After all, the Park was only fi ve years old at the time, and suddenly Walt was dedicating his top design, manufacturing and construction talent to a two-year adventure that Disney didn’t own.

I should say “didn’t own yet,” as contracts called for Disney to retain the shows after the fair. So just as Walt had planned, everything came back to Disneyland! Even before the fair offi cially ended, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln opened in the Opera House on Town Square and, within a year, the entire “its a small world” attraction – including the boats and the water trough through which they sailed – had opened in Fantasyland, and the dinosaurs from Ford’s Magic Skyway began to roam the Grand Canyon along the Disneyland Railroad. And in 1967, the Carousel of Progress came to Tomorrowland for a fi ve-year stay before moving back East to the Magic Kingdom Park in Florida in 1975.

And if the World’s Fair was a water-shed event, the Disney innovations were like a fi re-hose of inspiration. There was the fi rst wide-spread use of Audio-Animatronics (in all four pavilions, including Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln).

There was the order of magnitude increase in ride capacity (3,600 THRC – theoretical hourly ride capacity – for the boats in it’s a small world

and the spinning Carousel Theatre). There was the debut of the PeopleMover technology to transport guests in Ford convertibles along the Magic Skyway. And there were the fi rst ever new songs created especially for Disney Park-to-be shows, Dick and Bob Sherman’s “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” for the Carousel of Progress, and (you guessed it!) “its a small world (after all)” for the Pepsi Cola/Unicef “happiest cruise that ever sailed around the world.”

Perhaps the most important result of Disney’s participation in the World’s Fair was this: “Broadway” became the East Coast rehearsal for the brand new production that would open in October 1971. We know it today as Walt Disney World. But it might never have happened except for the fact that the Disney shows, on New York’s biggest stage, had been so successful that the great LOOK Magazine pinpointed the star of the entire World’s Fair in a story heralding “Walt Disney – GIANT at the Fair!”

For me, the fair was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was still in my 20s, and here I was writing Walt Disney’s narration for the Magic Skyway, the script for Walt’s update to the GE Board of Directors about the Carousel (including the Sherman Brothers actually singing “There’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” on camera) and a “thank you” from Walt to the whole Disney team in a souvenir booklet sold at the fair called “Walt Disney’s it’s a small world.” I still love to read the lines from Walt’s introduction: “We have tried to make this new ‘land’ the happiest of places … a ‘magic kingdom of all the world’s children’.”

The New York World’s Fair taught me what it was like to be a “we” in a company with only one name on the door: Walt Disney. As designer and Disney Legend John Hench used to say, “It’s not an ‘I’ business, it’s a ‘we’ business. When we fi nish a project, so many hands have touched it that no one can say, ‘I did that’.”

Four photos from left: Magic Skyway, “it’s a small world,” Carousel of Progress and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, all as seen at the ‘64 World’s Fair

After penning a Disney Files column about Mickey Mouse a few months ago, I received an angry call from a duck. While I couldn’t make out every word, I left the one-sided conversation feeling as though I should dedicate my summer column to a star who will celebrate his 80th anniversary in June.

Donald Duck’s biography may list March 13 as his birthday to explain all his bad luck, but his official debut came in the Silly Symphony animated short “The Wise Little Hen,” released June 9, 1934.

Like many Hollywood stars, Donald looked a little different in his debut role, with his famous sailor suit (inspired by a French Navy enlisted man’s sailor suit that American children were wearing in the 1930s) framing an elongated bill and neck that were a bit more “duck like” than the version we know today. In June 1936, Donald “moved” to his more modern physical form in the animated short “Moving Day.”

Disney Legend Jack Hannah, who wrote and directed most of Donald’s theatrical shorts, told me many years ago that, “Donald was an accident. Just like in real life, someone comes on as an extra in a film and then – boom – the audience falls in love with them.”

Walt Disney spoke of Donald’s univeral appeal during a Nov. 13, 1960 ABC-TV special celebrating Donald’s silver anniversary.

“You might say Donald speaks a universal language,” Walt said. “That is to say that no one

can understand what he says in any language, but the whole world still laughs at him.”

So to celebrate the latest milestone anniversary of a beloved, fowl-tempered fellow, I’m pleased to present a few “Secrets of the Duck.”

Go Ducks: I start with this fact in part because I find it fascinating and in part because I know how to flatter this magazine’s editor – a proud graduate of the University of Oregon.

In the late 1800s, the university’s athletic teams were unofficially known as the “Webfoots,” a nod to Massachusetts fishermen who became Revolutionary War heroes and whose descendants later settled in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Local sports writers began playfully referring to the teams as the “Ducks” in the 1920s and, decades later, a variety of duck images emerged -- some of which started resembling Disney’s Donald.

Recognizing a potential conflict and opportunity, Oregon Athletic Director Leo Harris worked with a friend at the Disney Studios to arrange a meeting with Walt Disney. Harris flew to Los Angeles to ask Walt to allow them to use Donald as their mascot. Walt agreed, and the two shook hands on the deal in 1947. There was no formal written contract – just a single photo (below) of Walt attired in an Oregon Ducks jacket alongside Harris as evidence of the agreement.

Satisfied by that photo, The Walt Disney Company reached a formal agreement with the university in the 1970s, and to help celebrate Donald’s 50th anniversary in 1984, the school made Donald an honorary alumnus at a ceremony in front of thousands of fans.

27

By Jim Korkis

Secrets of the Duck

28

Oscar night: Donald Duck co-hosted the 30th Academy Awards on March 26, 1958 at the RKO Pantages Theater in Los Angeles with Bob Hope, Jack Lemmon, David Niven, Rosalind Russell and James Stewart. (Donald appeared on fi lm, rather than in person.)

Army strong: In the 1942 Disney animated short “Donald Gets Drafted,” Donald was inducted as a private in the United States Army. His draft notice revealed for the fi rst time his middle name: Fauntleroy. (The name was a gag about Little Lord Fauntleroy, who wore a velvet suit and fancy blouse with a lace collar, as well as ringlet curls.)

Donald appeared on roughly 400 military insignia during World War II and remains a mascot of the U.S. Coast Guard.

On May 19, 1984, in the City of Torrance in Southern California, four-star general Arthur E. Brown, Jr. presided over an offi cial ceremony promoting Donald to the rank of Buck Sergeant before honorably retiring the Duck from service.

Juicy: Donald Duck Orange Juice has been produced by Florida’s Natural Growers agricultural cooperative (known as Citrus World from 1969-1998) in Lake Wales, Fla. (not far from the Walt Disney World Resort) since around 1940. It is the longest existing Disney licensee, and for many decades, Donald’s smiling face even appeared on the company’s water tower.

During the World War II years, rationing resulted in the restriction of materials needed to make character merchandise, so Disney Legend Kay Kamen cleverly licensed the image Donald Duck to a variety of food products instead, including peanut butter, jam, popcorn, mustard, chocolate syrup, Nabisco “Cheese Quackers,” broccoli, chili sauce, sandwich spread, bread, sweet relish, applesauce and ice cream, among many other food products.

Most of those contracts faded in the early 1950s, and Walt personally ended any further food-licensing deals due to potential confl icts of interest with paid advertisers on Disney’s weekly television program (including such products as Peter Pan Peanut Butter).

Production continued, however, on Donald Duck Orange Juice, which remains available today.

Bragging rights: On May 21, 1984, Donald imprinted his feet and signature into the cement of the forecourt of Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood. While both Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck have their signatures and feet in the forecourt of the Disney’s Hollywood Studios version of the famous theater, Mickey’s imprints do not appear at the theater in Hollywood.

Pants optional: I’ll “fi nish” by debunking a “Finnish” myth. Contrary to urban legend, Donald Duck was not banned in Finland in 1977 for not wearing pants. It was merely a misunderstanding that stemmed from a budget-related halt in production of Donald Duck comic books in the country. Following a media uproar, the classic comic books returned, with Donald still limiting his signature wardrobe to a shirt and hat.

1. A spoonful of sugar is almost as sweet as this photo of little Julia, granddaughter of Joe and Marilyn Meo of Connecticut, Members since 2000.

2. Gaston demonstrates the limits of his literacy by spelling the last letter in O-H-I-O with, from left, Courtney and Bailey Leasure of Texas, Members since 2006, and Maggie March (no relation to Disney Files Editor Ryan March) of Ohio, Member since 2004. The two families met at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and continue to vacation together.

3. Young Abby, part of the McCullough family of Delaware, Members since 2012, meets the boss (and Walt).

4. Disney Files Magazine congratulates, from left, Gavin Borg, Abby Zerull, Emily Borg and Anders Borg of Ohio, on the academic achievements they celebrated at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort with Abby’s parents, Chris and Donna, Members since 1997.

5. From left, Alex and Laura Smith, and Dmitri Wood, part of the Wood/Smith family of New Hampshire, Members since 2005, stay informed on the sideline.

6. Nostalgic art by Stacia Martin keeps Haley Silver of Illinois, Member since 1993, warm in Iceland.

7. From left, Grant, Melissa and Jackson Whitman of Illinois, Members since 2005, stay connected to the news in Athens.

8. The adorable Ava, part of the King family of Oklahoma, Members since 2009, is the “Belle” of her own ball.

9. Xander, part of the Bush family of Virginia, Members since 2008, questions the purpose of his meeting with Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother.

Send your photos (keeping copies for yourself as we won’t return ours) to Disney Files Magazine, Disney Vacation Club, 1390 Celebration Blvd., Celebration, FL 34747. Include your name, hometown and “Member Since” year, along with a signed release form for each person pictured. The form is available online at dvcmember.com/releaseform.

photofinish

2

329

1

8

4

5

6 7

9

©Disney VCDFM0514A

This edition’s “Last Word” goes to adorable little Liliana, part of the Ross family of New Jersey, Members since 2007. Clearly unconvinced by Snow White’s humming of a merry

tune, Liliana stands strong in her grumpiness, hands firmly on hips and eyes sternly avoiding contact. At ease, Liliana. You’ve just had the last word.

The Last Word.Disney Files Magazine is pleased to dedicate its back cover to the playful purpose of turning

Member memories into editorial exclamation points. Selected from the countless Member photos we look forward to receiving whenever our friendly postal carrier arrives at the door,

each photo celebrates a moment that we think is worthy of having the last word.